By KATRINA BRANDON
TAFE Gippsland’s Skills and Job Centre has partnered with the Local Jobs Program and six Gippsland councils to launch a new free online platform, Gippsland Jobs Hub.
The new platform was developed to boost local employment, support career development and build a stronger workforce in Gippsland.
On August 21, TAFE Gippsland hosted a breakfast event, attended by around 80 people in person, while others participated online to celebrate the launch of the free online platform.
During the interactive session, local businesses and program participants had the opportunity to hear from several speakers on the hub and Federation University’s FAST program, which complements the Jobs Hub.
Lisa Maatsoo, Industry Engagement and Innovation Manager at the Morwell Innovation Centre, Federation University, emceed the event, and introduced both the FAST and launch to attendees.
First up was Rachel Massaro, representing the Federation Access Studies (FAST) program team at Federation University.
“FAST, as the name suggests, it’s a fast path to university, and it enables students from all backgrounds the opportunity to study at a university level,” Ms Massaro said.
“(The) aim is to support students to understand the university system, understand how the systems work, understandably, and to bridge the culture gap which often exists.
“Some of them (students) didn’t get the ATAR that they needed for entry, or perhaps some students came to us, they’re already in the workforce and they’re looking to go that next level in their careers, or perhaps to change, and the program works really well.”
During Ms Massaro’s time in the spotlight, she brought on three students, who had participated in the FAST program. All three shared their experiences and discussed why they entered the program.
Launching the event’s hottest topic, Elise Watson, Manager Gippsland Skills and Jobs Centre and Andrea McNamara, Engagement Coordinator, Skills and Jobs Centre shared information about the website and held a panel discussion with Darren Beggs, Gippsland Jobs Coordinator, Local Jobs Program; Mark Lindsay, Engagement Manager, Marinus Link and Justin Fallu, Director of Student Experience, TAFE Gippsland.
“Skills and Job Centre is a state-wide initiative, with centres across Victoria, most commonly housed within TAFEs. We have five skills and job centres located in Gippsland, such as Leongatha, Warragul, Morwell, Sale and Bairnsdale,” Ms Watson explained to the audience.
“Rather than trawling different employment websites, the Gippsland Jobs Hub is a one-stop shop for job seekers and employers.
“Our mission with this project was to develop a free platform to promote sustainable economic growth and productive employment in our region. It’s about building confidence and capacity.”
Easing the job hunt for job seekers, Ms Watson and Ms McNamara said that local businesses can post jobs and opportunities on the website at no cost, and they are typically up within 24 hours of being submitted.
Each job that is submitted to the website is authenticated by the jobs and skills centre team, who ensure that real jobs are being posted and that people are receiving the necessary information for the job they are applying for.
“The Gippsland Jobs Hub is a free online portal which connects job seekers and employees across Gippsland. So whether you’re a job seeker or an employer, this site will connect you with your next opportunity,” Ms McNamara explained.
“Our mission is to provide a free platform – free to promote sustainable economic growth and productive employment in our region. It’s a great opportunity to focus on Gippsland and provide real jobs for local people.”
Throughout the panel, Mr Lindsay, Mr Beggs and Mr Fallu discussed the positive impacts of the hub and the opportunities that could arise from the new platform.
For more information, go to http://gippslandjobshub.com.au/
